Donations for blast relief reach nearly US$20 mil.

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- More than NT$600 million (US$19.87 million) has been pledged by companies and individuals to date to help with post-disaster efforts after the explosions in Kaohsiung Thursday that left at least 28 dead.

As of Saturday afternoon, 28 were confirmed to have died in the worst accident of its kind in Taiwan's history, with another 286 reported injured.

Both local enterprises and Taiwanese businesses in China have made donations. Government-funded organizations, private foundations, and local celebrities have also made contributions.

In addition to the Kaohsiung City Government, cities and counties across Taiwan have established fund transfer accounts with the post office or bank accounts to receive donations to be forwarded to Kaohsiung authorities.

Many hotels and restaurants in Kaohsiung have extended goodwill by offering accommodation and food for people unable to return home, and some supermarkets and convenience stores are also providing various kinds of support.

The blasts caused over 12,000 homes to lose power and water, according to the authorities.